Explosive Diarrhea Outbreak Hits US During FIFA World Cup 2026

A foodborne parasite that causes explosive, watery diarrhea has infected more than 140 people across 20 US states, according to the latest health data, as the United States simultaneously hosts major FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.

The outbreak involves Cyclospora cayetanensis, a parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness linked to severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, bloating, and loss of appetite.

Health officials said 145 people between the ages of 5 and 86 were reported infected between May and June 16, while 20 patients were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported so far.

New York has recorded the highest number of cases, while infections have also been reported in New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Illinois, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Colorado, and Alaska.

Officials believe the outbreak is likely linked to contaminated food, since none of the reported patients had recently travelled abroad. That is significant because cyclospora infections are more commonly associated with travel to tropical or subtropical regions, where contaminated food or water is a more frequent source of infection.

Symptoms usually appear around a week after exposure and mainly affect the intestines. The most commonly reported sign is explosive, watery diarrhea, though some patients may also develop low-grade fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, stomach cramps, and dehydration. In some cases, infected people may not show symptoms at all.

Although cyclosporiasis can clear up on its own, untreated infections can drag on for weeks and sometimes last a month or longer. Doctors typically treat it with antibiotics, most commonly trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.

Health authorities have not yet identified the exact source behind the current outbreak. However, past cases in the United States have been tied to fresh produce, including cilantro, raspberries, basil, mesclun lettuce, and sweet peas.

The outbreak comes at a time when attention in the US is firmly fixed on the FIFA World Cup 2026, with knockout-stage matches drawing massive crowds, heavy travel, and packed public venues.

While there is no indication that the infections are linked to World Cup stadiums or tournament operations, the timing has added to public concern as fans continue to move between host cities for the biggest matches of the competition.